Injuries push Jaguars into more predictable patterns

Bob Bratkowski had to resort to protection sets to keep Blaine Gabbert upright.

Until the right tackle and left guard return from injury and a running back tandem can be implemented, the glory days for the Jaguars offense will be succinct.

Two drives in Week 1.

When the Jaguars played at Minnesota, offensive coordinator Bob Bratkowski threw myriad personnel groups and formations at the Vikings, ranging from a five-receiver set to a two-back, three-tight end “Jumbo” look at the goal-line. They converted on third down and moved down the field.

But then an offense already tested to be consistent was really challenged.

Right tackle Cam Bradfield and left guard Eben Britton sustained left ankle injuries … on the same play. Good-bye to any starting offensive line continuity. Running back Rashad Jennings, then the starter and eventually a compliment to Maurice Jones-Drew, exited with a knee injury. So long to a 1-2 punch.

The trickle-down effect of the injuries was obvious against Houston. Tight ends served as pass protectors. The mid-range passing game was non-existent. The change-of-pace formations were limited.

The end result was a 27-7 loss that featured franchise lows in yards (117) and time of possession (16 minutes, 43 seconds).

The first noticeable impact was tight end Marcedes Lewis’ lack of involvement in the passing game.

Lewis flashed against the Vikings, catching five passes for 52 yards and a touchdown. His role changed dramatically in the Houston game. He played 35 snaps and went without a catch for only the seventh time in 95 career games.

Needing Lewis in pass protection became more important than him running routes. When the play called for a six-, seven- or even a rare eight-man protection, Lewis stayed in and was occasionally joined by tight end Zach Potter.

Although Lewis went on a pattern 18 times, he was targeted only one time and drew a Brian Cushing illegal contact penalty. Several times, he would chuck a pass rusher before leaving the line.

“We tried to get a bang on them so that delayed him getting out on some routes,” Mularkey said.

On one play, Lewis ran a crossing route that served as a pick to free up Justin Blackmon.

“I’m a tight end,” Lewis said. “Tight ends have to run block, pass block, run routes. I hope we can continue to find different ways to get me out there and get the ball in my hands.”

Said Mularkey: “There were some other things that we could do better to hopefully give him the ball more.”

The second effect of the injuries was Bratkowski and Blaine Gabbert’s options.

For the play caller, it means more two-tight end and two-back sets to help protect.

Early against Minnesota, Bratkowski used a five-receiver set on a seven-yard pass to Cecil Shorts. If the Jaguars are healthy up front, they can use that formation to maybe get a linebacker on a receiver or, if they choose, motion Jones-Drew from the slot and run a sweep.

“You put five wide receivers out there, you’re trying to find a mismatch,” Bratkowski said last week. “It limits the kinds of calls the defense can make.”

Said Mularkey: “It’s a change-up. We’re trying to be versatile in everything we do.”

Ideally, that would be the case. Just not against Houston. If Lewis is protecting, he’s not an option, the same goes for Potter, Jones-Drew and fullback Greg Jones if they stay in to help. Jones-Drew’s 5-yard touchdown catch came after he protected, fell to the ground in a semi-decoy move and got several steps on a linebacker.

Heading into Sunday’s game at Indianapolis, the only way for the Jaguars’ offense to improve, with or without their injured players, is for the available players to avoid a false start on first-and-10, an illegal substitution penalty on third-and-7, a blown match-up to result in a sack, etc. Only then do things become more manageable.

@SurfJaxBeach:
I'm not saying next year because that's what I want; I'm saying it based on how I understand Khan. If Gene ruins another offseason, then like you said, the stands will be empty. But the point is that Khan will not let Gene go because of the contract. This is the same guy who did not budge when it came to MJD's holdout. If anything, he added fuel to the fire. Do you honestly expect a man who does that and stands 100% behind his GM to just let him go one year after he extended Gene's contract? Also, Jack was fired by Weaver, the guy who had him for 9 seasons. As far as Khan's concerned, he's only had Gene for one season and he's willing to give him 3. He's very confident that attendance will no longer be a problem and he always came across as a guy who fully trusted his staff. After analyzing the facts out there, my conclusion is that Khan will not fire Gene Smith until at least another year of his contract has elapsed.

@Divine - Sorry. My point is that Gene has got to go this year and not next. Jack was fired during the year and I think the fans will expect the same with Gene. Mr. Khan has a lot of money and buying out the last 2 years of Gene's contract is cheaper than losing a fan base he is trying to build. Keeping Gene past this year will be a bad mistake. If he is allowed to have another draft and offseason of FA then the stands will be empty again. So you say next year and I say this year for Gene to go.

@SurfJaxBeach:
With all due respect, what was the point of your last post? You're talking to me like I'm disagreeing with you and I don't understand your point. I'm on your side about this one. I thought that was clear. Why are you trying to convince me as if I'm not on your side?